THEA425 Radical Theatre in Context, 1880-2000

The study of a body of modern dramaturges (playwrights, directors, theorist-practitioners)
and their texts, with particular reference to the intellectual, historical and artistic
context of these models, and to the conceptual vision of each featured artist. Significant
research on an artist of the student’s choice is required.

What makes theatre "radical" or "avant-garde" - and what, for that matter, makes something
theatre in the first place? Is this a question of form or style, or can performance
and the arts intervene in the major issues of time? This subject addresses these questions
through a survey of some of the major innovative theatre artists in theatre and performance
of the 20th century in historical context.

This paper will equip students to critically reflect upon the contextual and aesthetic
history of avant-garde theatre, as well as providing them with strong skills in research,
essay writing and articulating ideas in a critical fashion.